Family leisure-time physical activities – results of the “Juniors for Seniors” 15-week intervention programme

Abstract

SummaryStudy aim: Both adequate time and quality time are important for the wellbeing of a family. The study evaluated the effectiveness of a 15-week family-based physical activity (PA) intervention entitled "Junior for Seniors". It included both children and parents. The paper focuses on an important topic -family-based leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). It is set in Polish primary schools, which is a novel approach. Regular physical activity for young people and their parents improves health and fitness including strength and endurance, promotes development of healthy bones and muscles, helps control weight and increases self-esteem. Material and methods:In 2015, 24 children ("juniors", 14 girls and 10 boys, aged (mean ± SD) 7.96 ± 0.69 years) and 22 parents ("seniors", 14 mothers aged 38.86 ± 2.96 years and 8 fathers aged 37.38 ± 2.97 years) were voluntarily enrolled in a study encompassing three primary schools in the city of Poznań, Poland. To measure factors associated with LTPA, selected questions from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) questionnaire were used. Results: As a result of the intervention, children increased both the amount of time they spent on intense LTPA and the frequency with which they undertook LTPA (values for "time spent on intense physical exercises during leisure time" were statistically significantly higher in the post-test; Z = -2.57; p < 0.05). In the post-test, statistically significant relations were obtained between the following variables: reason for physical activity: for better sport results -with family: playing together; r = 0.41, p < 0.05. In the parents' group no statistically significant increase was observed in any of the variables measured. Conclusions: The research issues presented in this paper require further exploration in larger scale studies. However, based on the present study, it may be concluded that one important goal has been achieved: that of more frequent family social behaviours and improved quality of LTPA.

Determinants of Physical Activity Performed by Young Adults

“…Furthermore, PA interventions targeted at sedentary healthy adults are cost-effective [10]. There are, however, few studies about PA in young adults in contrast to other life cycle stages such as childhood, adolescence, and old age [11,12,13].…”

The Motor and Leisure Time Conditioning of Young Table Tennis Players’ Physical Fitness

“…Reliability was established at ICC = 0.77 and validity r = 0.40. This measure was used earlier in population studies in Poland [ 29 , 30 ]. Participants were asked to answer two questions.…”

“…Although physical training in table tennis is an obviously important factor for sport success, there is a lack of evidence that, at the same level of training, young athletes who also have well-organized and diverse activities in their free time achieve the best results. Leisure activities awaken, deepen, direct, and consolidate the interests of children and young adults, and increased activity stimulates action and boosts motivation to show initiative [ 29 , 30 ]. Knowledge of the global physical activity undertaken by athletes during their leisure time and their preferences provides a better understanding of their individual needs and may help young table tennis players to succeed at a world-class level in the future.…”

The motor and leisure time conditioning of young table tennis players' physical fitness

“…Reliability was established at ICC = 0.77 and validity = 0.40. This measure has been used earlier in population studies in Poland [37,38]. Participants…”